Which of the following occurs first in dental biofilm formation?
A. Matrix formation
B. Pellicle formation
C. Biofilm growth
D. Bacterial multiplication and colonization
B. Pellicle formation
How long after tooth cleaning does the pellicle begin to form?
A. Instantly
B. Within minutes
C. After 24 hours
D. After 2 days
B. Within minutes
The acquired pellicle is primarily composed of:
A. Proteins and carbohydrates
B. Lipids only
C. Calcium and phosphate
D. Bacterial endotoxins
A. Proteins and carbohydrates
Which statement best describes the function of the acquired pellicle?
A. Increases enamel permeability
B. Protects enamel and aids bacterial adherence
C. Provides energy to bacteria
D. Decreases bacterial attachment
B. Protects enamel and aids bacterial adherence
During which stage do planktonic (free-floating) bacterial cells attach to the pellicle and form microcolonies?
A. Pellicle formation
B. Bacterial multiplication and colonization
C. Matrix formation
D. Maturation
B. Bacterial multiplication and colonization
What is secreted during matrix formation to help stabilize bacterial colonies?
A. Enzymes
B. EPS (extracellular polymeric substances)
C. Calcium ions
D. Collagen fibers
B. EPS (extracellular polymeric substances)
In the biofilm growth stage, bacteria begin to:
A. Form new pellicle
B. Increase mass and communicate via chemical signals
C. Die off
D. Detach and float away
B. Increase mass and communicate via chemical signals
During maturation, bacterial colonies:
A. Release planktonic cells to colonize new areas
B. Form initial attachment
C. Are destroyed by saliva
D. Form calculus immediately
A. Release planktonic cells to colonize new areas
The first microorganisms to colonize the pellicle are:
A. Actinomyces species
B. Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus mutans
C. Lactobacillus species
D. Spirochetes
B. Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus mutans
Gram-positive cocci appear in the biofilm within:
A. 1–2 days
B. 5–7 days
C. 14 days
D. 21 days
A. 1–2 days
Gingivitis caused by undisturbed biofilm typically develops in:
A. 5–7 days
B. 10–14 days
C. 14–21 days
D. 30 days
C. 14–21 days
As biofilm matures, it becomes:
A. Gram-positive and aerobic
B. Gram-negative and anaerobic
C. Gram-positive and spirochete-rich
D. Sterile
B. Gram-negative and anaerobic
Which of the following is inorganic in biofilm?
A. Proteins and lipids
B. Calcium and phosphorus
C. Dextran and levan
D. EPS
B. Calcium and phosphorus
The organic components of biofilm include:
A. Calcium and fluoride
B. Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids
C. Water and ions
D. Sulfur compounds
B. Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids
The matrix of biofilm (EPS) provides what main function?
A. Source of minerals for remineralization
B. Sticky, protective film that shelters bacteria
C. Enamel strengthening
D. Fluoride absorption
B. Sticky, protective film that shelters bacteria
The acquired pellicle can be described as:
A. Hard, calcified layer of bacteria
B. Film of proteins and carbohydrates on oral surfaces
C. Mineralized biofilm
D. Cottage cheese–like material
B. Film of proteins and carbohydrates on oral surfaces
Dental biofilm is also known as:
A. Calculus
B. Plaque
C. Materia alba
D. Food debris
B. Plaque
The first step in calculus formation is:
A. Biofilm maturation
B. Pellicle formation
C. Mineralization
D. EPS secretion
B. Pellicle formation
Mineralization begins how long after biofilm forms?
A. 1–2 hours
B. 24–72 hours
C. 7–10 days
D. 14 days
B. 24–72 hours
Full mineralization of calculus typically occurs within:
A. 5–7 days
B. 10–20 days
C. 21–30 days
D. 1 month
B. 10–20 days
The major minerals in calculus include:
A. Sodium and sulfur
B. Calcium, phosphorus, carbonate, magnesium, potassium, fluoride
C. Iron and zinc
D. Collagen and protein
B. Calcium, phosphorus, carbonate, magnesium, potassium, fluoride
The critical pH for enamel demineralization is:
A. 6.5
B. 5.5
C. 4.5
D. 7.0
B. 5.5
The critical pH for dentin/cementum demineralization is:
A. 5.5
B. 6.2–6.7
C. 7.0
D. 4.8
B. 6.2–6.7
After eating fermentable carbohydrates, the pH remains acidic for approximately:
A. 5 minutes
B. 10–15 minutes
C. 20–40 minutes
D. 1 hour
C. 20–40 minutes